Observation is the most used form of gathering formative data about your students and classes. You can observe for processes, patterns, skill development, and more without stopping the flow of your lesson. Observation can often be overlooked as a tool when assessing formatively, especially in older year levels but it provides excellent opportunity to redirect learning, circle back, or move ahead depending on the evidence gathered.

Observation helps teachers:

• Notice patterns and approaches to learning for individuals as well as groups

• Provide 'off the cuff' assessment of learning in a classroom

• Discover gaps in learning early in order to pivot or redirect if necessary

• Using a small checklist can help you quantify your observations, these can also be given to the students so they can formatively assess themselves or their partner/groups as well

• There is nothing wrong with telling students what you will be looking for as you progress through your lesson!

• Reporting to the class what you have observed can be a great way to focus learning

• Effective Observation is second nature to educators, but don't forget to feedback to students!